This is the time of year when the world tells us that we must detox our bodies, refresh our minds, and do a million and one activities to care for ourselves. You know what I’m talking about: Dry January (no alcohol consumption for the month), Veganuary (a vegan diet for the month), gym membership, weight loss programmes, yoga, Pilates, jogging, running, walking, the list is endless. By the time you have tried to organise your schedule to do even a couple of these activities, you are exhausted and depressed.

Look at everyone out there doing the fitness regime, landing a cool new job, booking a fancy holiday. Why can’t you do all of that? The truth is that we cannot do everything. We are human beings, and while we are an intelligent species, we often forget the basics. Everyone needs to rest. So many people struggle with sleep deprivation, insomnia, anxiety and OCD, and all they do is try more activity, more exercise, more diets and more of whatever society tells them to do.

Stop. Just stop. Take a deep breath. Roll your shoulders and force them to lower a little. Do you hear those creaks and cracks? That is how tense you are, and you don’t need to be. Put down the devices, switch off the TV, listen to some soothing music if you feel the need. Lie in a darkened room and clear your mind. None of that stuff is important at this exact moment in time. All that matters right now is your personal well-being. If you are tired, rest. If you are hungry, eat. Above all else, listen to your instinct. Your body and your mind know what is best for you. And you can take a break when the world coerces you to hurry. Relax!

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